Fielding Hills winery owner Mike Wade is also the CEO of Columbia Fruit Packers, a worldwide purveyor of apples and cherries. In 1998, he pulled out an orchard of Red Delicious apple trees on family land in the Wahluke Slope AVA and planted Riverbend Vineyard.
All Fielding Hills wines are sourced from this single vineyard, an excellent site with southern exposure in one of the warmest growing areas of the state. Wade produced his first commercial vintage in 2000 and was named Wine Spectator’s Rising Star Winemaker in 2002.
With a spectacular 280-degree view of Lake Chelan and outdoor seating surrounded by vineyards, the Fielding Hills winery and tasting room was two years in the planning. “Having spent the first 15 years making wine in a converted orchard shed with tastings by appointment in the barn, we decided to build a winery and tasting room,” says Karen Wade.
There’s a good possibility you’ll find a family member behind the tasting bar. The Wade’s three daughters have grown up around the winery and are the main tasting room staff along with Karen and assistant winemaker Tyler Armour.
Fielding Hills 2009 Riverbend Vineyard Tribute, $32
This full-bodied red blend of Cabernet Franc (31%), Syrah (30%), Merlot (20% and Cabernet Sauvignon (19%). Hedonistic and rich, with expressive flavors of plum, blue and red fruit, coffee liqueur, plump raisin, dark chocolate mint Milano cookie and earthy notes that echo on the resounding finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Alcohol: 15.7%
Website: www.fieldinghills.com